Premiere Christian Holder: My Life is Dance Oct 30 & 31 at CHM
A powerful new cinematic portrait is set to unfold at the Chicago History Museum, bringing the extraordinary life of a celebrated artist and dancer to the forefront. Producer and director Brigitte Berman is premiering Christian Holder: My Life Is Dance on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.
Christian Holder was not just a celebrated figure in the arts; he was a true force of nature whose artistic expression intersected powerfully with some of the most critical social and political movements of his time. This film delves deep into his journey, using his storied artistry to illuminate his fight for humanity, civil rights, and peace.
Holder’s legacy spans decades of breathtaking performance and profound social commentary. As one of the most revered dancers in the history of the Chicago Joffrey Ballet Company, his life was a vibrant tapestry woven with high art and passionate activism. He used his talent not merely for beauty, but as a powerful tool to challenge injustice and intolerance.
His genius extended far beyond the dance studio. Holder was a multifaceted creative powerhouse, known for his acclaimed work as a cabaret performer, and for his visionary contributions to theatrical and musical arts. He wrote and penned lyrics for Verse of Fortune, a production celebrating the 19th-century poet Charles Baudelaire, and designed costumes for global icons like Tina Turner, Bette Midler, and Ann Reinking. His artistic reach was truly limitless.
One of Holder’s most poignant expressions of his anti-war stance came through his seminal performance in Kurt Jooss’s antiwar ballet, The Green Table, a work that spoke volumes about the turmoil of the 1970s. This history of challenging the status quo is the very backbone of the film, which Berman masterfully built using Holder’s own luminous, deeply personal autobiographical works.
In her direction, Berman ensured the film prioritized Holder’s voice, allowing his own perspective to guide the narrative. The film serves as a reminder that art is never isolated; it is intrinsically linked to the charged political and social currents that surround us, demanding a response to injustice and the urgent need for change.
The screenings are a free opportunity for the public to experience this unique intersection of dance, history, and human experience. Two showings of Christian Holder: My Life Is Dance will be held at the Chicago History Museum, partnered with The Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago International Film Festival, and the Gerald Arpino Foundation.
Join us for these special events on October 30th and 31st at 1601 N. Clark Street. Tickets are free and available by reserving here.
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